luis_dj's Reviews

Extremely stable stand, even with two keyboards

The stand is extremely stable, even with two keyboards, and, thanks to the fact of having double vertical arms in the X, also difficult to deform, thus allowing you to stay balanced even after several uses with heavy keyboards. The only flaw to report is the footprint. The clasp does not carry the holder perfectly closed and the secondary arm screws are very bulky, so once closed the keypad takes up a little more space than it could have occupy with a perfect and optimal closure.

Great controller for Ableton Live 11

I have this controller - Akai APC40 MKII - and a Novation Launchpad Pro MK3, and they're great working together ! The Akai is better for live, devices and mix controls, and the Novation - also able to control devices, but becoming more difficult with pads than knobs - to play instruments. The synergy between them is great as you can play using pads on the Novation while applying effects through the Akai. I don't have any experience with the Ableton Push, but I think that having the possibility of controlling through two different devices at the same time - one hand on each - open wider possibilities when comparing with those you have with the Push, at a lower price - both together, the Akai and the Novation -

A Great Option For New Players

The Nitro Mesh is super affordable and is perfect for beginners and pros who need a quiet kit to practice on.

The Nitro Mesh is an upgrade of the original Nitro kit. The older kit featured rubber pads exclusively. Alesis seem to be phasing out the original model, as I can’t find it for sale anywhere anymore.

Pros: - Mesh heads - Great price - Awesome for a beginner - Decent drum module

Cons: - Pads are relatively small - Sounds aren’t the greatest - Kick pad is small

The Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD is an affordable 4-channel audio interface with a wealth of input/output options

The Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD is an affordable 4-channel audio interface with a wealth of input/output options.

At its core are four combo jack inputs with Midas Designed preamps, which allows for simultaneous recording of up to four sources. Each channel comes complete with dedicated controls that include Pad switches, Line/Instrument switches and Gain knobs.

To make monitoring even more convenient, Behringer equipped the UMC404HD with A/B monitor switching, stereo/mono switch and monitor mix - all of which are ideal for auditioning your mixes with different studio monitors.

Other noteworthy features include multiple LED indicators and MIDI compatibility. It comes with a suite of recording software and plug-ins that you can use for recording and mixing.

Specifications:

• A/D Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
• Preamp: 4 x Midas Designed Preamps
• Channels: 4
• Inputs: 4 x XLR/TRS Combo, 4 x 1/4" (Inserts)
• Outputs: 6 x 1/4", 2 x XLR, 2 x RCA Stereo, 1 x 1/4" (Headphones)
• MIDI: In/Out
• Power: AC Adapter, USB Bus Powered
• Phantom Power: 48V
• Bundled Software: Tracktion, 150 downloadable instrument/effect plug-ins

A very interesting keyboard because it has a very light weight, powerful speakers and line output

Studiologic is a manufacturer of digital musical instruments like pianos, synthesizers, organs and more. The Studiologic Numa Compact 2 Digital Piano has the following characteristics:

• Digital piano with 88 semi-weighted keys (Weight that the keys of an acoustic piano have and that digital pianos try to imitate to equal the touch of the piano. The keys in the high register are heavier and in the high register less. This is different from the sensitivity on the keyboard which serves to regulate the volume of the note. But a weighted keyboard always has sensitivity in the keys) with Aftertouch function and hammer mechanics
• 128 notes of polyphony (Number of notes that can be played at once. This includes accompaniments that also consume notes. So if you play on top of an accompaniment more notes will be accumulated)
• 80 sounds (Different sounds of piano and other instruments)
• OLED quality display
• Central joystick control for more controls
• Dimming piano sounds that simulate virtual string resonance
• 2 programmable joystick controls
• Many effects with reverb, chorus
• Split function (dividing the keyboard into two different instruments)
• Sound equalization with Bass, Treble, Mastering controls
• USB midi (MIDI allows you to do such wonderful things as connect your keyboard to your computer, record a sound track and with certain programs click through what you’ve played to musical notes on a score. MIDI tracks store the information of the musical notes)
• Sustain pedal input (The sustain pedal of a piano or keyboard is used to keep the note playing even if you stop pressing the key) + input for another pedal. Not included
• Stereo line and headphone output
• 2 fairly powerful 10W speakers
• Feeder included
• Weight 7.1 kg and dimensions (L x W x H): 1270 x 230 x 110 mm

The Launchpad Pro might be the best pad sequencer I’ve seen yet

Bridging the gap between hardware sequencer and DAW controller, this is one of the best pad devices on the market.

Where the Pro goes deeper is in its supplementary controls, which allow for control of Live’s transport section, record arming, mute, solo, Capture MIDI and quantisation.

PROS: - Great standalone sequencer option. - Comprehensive Live control. - Sleek hardware with great-feeling pads.

CONS: - Navigation can be complex without a screen.

Fun and capable of good results

ARQ is fun and capable of good results. But before you get dazzled by its lights, consider if it’s the perfect fit for you, as it isn’t cheap. PROS: - Unique design. - Fun and productive pattern sequencer and looper. CONS: - Not cheap. - Menu system isn’t the most intuitive.